Steelers Rumors: What Can Pittsburgh Get In An Antonio Brown Trade?

It seems that any hopes of the Steelers retaining star receiver Antonio Brown are gone. All that remains is to figure out what Pittsburgh could get for the 30-year-old wideout. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, it may not be all that much, all things considered.

Rapoport reported on Saturday that executives around the league believe Brown is worth at least a second round pick, with the possibility of adding a third round pick to the deal. According to Rapoport, it is unlikely that Pittsburgh will get a first round pick for Brown.

Rapoport listed the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers as teams that could show interest, based purely on favorable cap situations. He also emphasized supposed interest by the Denver Broncos.

The lack of trade value relative to his production could be due to some combination of his age, off-field drama and contract. He will carry a cap hit of more than $22 million next season for whichever team he plays for. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, he will account for more than $21 million in dead money if they trade him.

While the Steelers would ideally like to keep a player as productive and explosive as Brown, team owner Art Rooney II seemingly shut the door on that last week. There seems to be a strong likelihood that the Steelers will lose both Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell this offseason.

Of course, reconciliation is always a possibility.

Brown caught 104 passes for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns on the year. He has caught more than 100 passes in six consecutive seasons.